Increase in manpower welcomed by Linlithgow unit commander

John A. MacInnes

I am delighted to introduce my self as the Community Inspector for Linlithgow and the local area including Bridgend, Philpstoun and Threemiletown.

I have been a police officer for 19 years and have been based in West Lothian since 2006.

I sit on the board for West Lothian Drug and Alcohol Service (WLDAS) as I have a keen interest in harm reduction and previous experience within the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.

I have a young son and when I am not being a “soccer mum” spend any spare time enjoying my favourite sport, riding my horse round the countryside in West Lothian.

On March 4, the West Lothian policing model underwent significant changes which has resulted in a marked increase in the number of community police officers and a change in working hours.

I now have three sergeants and 18 constables to serve the Linlithgow and Broxburn communities which is an increase of nearly 50 per cent on previously available staffing levels.

I will have more officers on duty over core demand periods dealing with local ward based priorities.

These officers will be deployed primarily on foot and cycle patrols tackling local issues and delivering on local priorities: anti-social behaviour and violence, road safety, substance misuse and acquisitive crime.

Last weekend saw the community team on patrol in Linlithgow High Street during the evening hours making sure the public receive high-visibility patrol officers ‘‘on the beat’’ and who are tasked with public safety.

During these patrols officers arrested a man for licensing offences and visited a number of public houses.

This week officers have been visiting those convicted of domestic abuse reminding them of their bail conditions to help prevent re-offending.

We will continue to deal robustly with those committing domestic abuse whilst providing support and advice to victims.

Later this month officers will be involved in Operation Monarda which seeks to disrupt and detect bogus callers who target the most vulnerable in the community often defrauding them of thousands of pounds of life savings.

Officers will also give prevention advice to local groups to stop them falling victim to these ruthless criminals.

I am committed to delivering an accessible and visible policing team in Linlithgow and would encourage you to report any concerns or issues.

Linlithgow Police Station is open 9am-5pm (closed for lunch 1-2pm) Monday to Friday. You can also contact the Linlithgow team on 101 or by email at linlithgowcpt@scotland.pnn.police.uk